UK soap star denies child sex charges

London - A long-time star of British soap opera Coronation Street has vowed to fight charges he raped a 15-year-old girl in 1967.

William Roache said in a statement on Thursday he is "deeply horrified" by the charges and "strenuously" denies them.

The 81-year-old actor has played Ken Barlow on the popular show since it was first broadcast in 1960. The soap, set in a fictional working-class district in north western England, is among the longest-running programs on British television.

He is charged with raping the girl between April and July of 1967. He is scheduled to appear at Preston Magistrates' Court on May 14.

Roache was arrested at his home on Wednesday. Broadcaster ITV said Roache wouldn't appear in Coronation Street until his legal case was over.

24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.